City Of Troy Set for Public Gallop at Southwell as Breeders' Cup Looms

Southwell Racecourse is preparing for a historic day as City Of Troy, the Derby-winning star trained by Aidan O’Brien, will undergo a high-profile gallop on September 20. This significant event comes as part of the horse’s preparation for the Breeders’ Cup Classic at Del Mar, California, marking what could be City Of Troy's final appearance on UK soil.

O'Brien, known for meticulously planning his Breeders' Cup campaigns, has selected Southwell’s synthetic Tapeta surface to mimic the conditions the colt will face in America. The decision to host the public gallop has created a buzz among racing fans, with racecourse executives confirming that spectators will be able to attend the event free of charge, provided they register in advance.

Mark Clayton, executive director at Southwell, expressed his excitement about the occasion, describing it as a rare and special opportunity for racing enthusiasts to witness a future Breeders’ Cup contender in action.

“We’re opening our gates for the public to witness something extraordinary,” Clayton said. “City Of Troy is one of the most exciting horses in training, and this gallop could be his final act in the UK. We’re expecting huge interest, so fans will need to pre-register on our website once details are confirmed.”

While the exact timing of the gallop is yet to be finalized, the build-up to the event is well underway. City Of Troy will be accompanied by a crack team of stablemates as well as American-style starting stalls to replicate the atmosphere of an American racecourse.

Southwell is no stranger to hosting pre-Breeders' Cup gallops. O’Brien previously brought stars like Galileo and Giant’s Causeway to the Nottinghamshire track before their trans-Atlantic assignments. The switch from the previous Fibresand surface to Tapeta has further solidified Southwell’s reputation as a crucial stop on the road to the Breeders’ Cup.

Clayton also hinted at the possibility of another Breeders’ Cup contender, Big Evs, returning to Southwell for a preparatory gallop ahead of his own Breeders’ Cup campaign. The son of Blue Point previously trained at Southwell before his victory in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf Sprint last year.

“If we can consistently be the go-to track for Breeders’ Cup preparations, it will only enhance Southwell’s profile,” Clayton said. “The layout of our course is ideal for horses aiming to replicate American conditions, and we’re thrilled to welcome such high-caliber names.”

As City Of Troy gears up for his Breeders' Cup test, fans are eager to witness the colt in action one last time on home turf. For racing aficionados, Southwell on September 20 promises to be a day to remember.